These missing persons posts....

[markmcilroy]

There have been a couple of missing persons postings on this site and on FaceBook lately. I can understand the reasons of photographs not being shown on this website however given that this website is used by many pilgrims I am wondering if under our individual profile section we could give our permission for a photograph of ourselves to be used on this website incase we go missing or an emergency situation arises or our family can't make contact with us. I wouldn't have an issue with a photograph of me be published to help locate me....just a thought.

 

[C clearly]

Interesting idea, and I sympathize with the worried families. However, I think that the policies, legalities and administration of such a system would make it very difficult for an organization such as this forum. For example: How long would qualify as missing? Who has the right to announce it? What wording and management would be required for the database of forum members, and the monitoring/ posting/ removing of reports? On finding the person, what are the proper procedures? It gets complicated!

The current situation at least allows for families to express their concern and alert people who are walking. What more than a few facts do we really need in order for the rest of us to keep an eye out for a person on the Camino, and ask them?

In virtually all cases, the "missing person" is the one who find themself and soon contacts family.

 

[hel&scott]

A few years back I wrote a post bemoaning the large number of blanks on members profiles. I was surprised to hear that many people did not to post a photo due to fears over Internet security. But pleased that many took the effort to upload an image that they felt represented them, be it a shell, a tree or a turtle. It's a sad inditement of our age that we need to preserve our privacy as I kinda like to know who I am talking to, but even if it's not a friendly face then I still know I am getting sound advice from the woman behind the stained glass, or the guy in the helicopter.

If people do go missing on the Camino, or else where then police are provided with photos from family or passport etc and it is more appropriate that they distribute this infomation then this forum.

 

[Xali1970]

If my family doesn't hear from me for a few days/weeks, the likelihood that I'm not thinking of them while on the way or just don't want to / feel like contacting them is much higher than my going missing or having a severe accident.

Carrying ID, "In Case of Emergency" documents or a type of dogtag necklace on your person at all times so you can be identified in case of emergency is more helpful than having the family raising hue and cry because they haven't heard from you in some days.

Being required to keep contact or be contactable at all times by family and friends is a royal PIA, and detracts from whatever it is one is looking for while on the trail. This is Western Europe, and one of the most travelled areas on the continent, not the jungles of Africa - South America or Asia. People disappearing leaving no trace is really unlikely.

 

[Former member 49149]

PIA?oops - maybe I know. Not my usual language!

 

[Xali1970]

PIA?

Pain In the A###

 

[Jeff Crawley]

A few years back I wrote a post bemoaning the large number of blanks on members profiles. I was surprised to hear that many people did not to post a photo due to fears over Internet security. But pleased that many took the effort to upload an image that they felt represented them, be it a shell, a tree or a turtle. It's a sad inditement of our age that we need to preserve our privacy as I kinda like to know who I am talking to, but even if it's not a friendly face then I still know I am getting sound advice from the woman behind the stained glass, or the guy in the helicopter.

If people do go missing on the Camino, or else where then police are provided with photos from family or passport etc and it is more appropriate that they distribute this infomation then this forum.

Sadly, I'm told I look just like my avatar - including the mask!

 

[Jeff Crawley]

There have been a couple of missing persons postings on this site and on FaceBook lately. I can understand the reasons of photographs not being shown on this website however given that this website is used by many pilgrims I am wondering if under our individual profile section we could give our permission for a photograph of ourselves to be used on this website incase we go missing or an emergency situation arises or our family can't make contact with us. I wouldn't have an issue with a photograph of me be published to help locate me....just a thought.

I'd have thought that the particular Band of Pilgrims that grace these pages are the least likely to go "off piste" without notification and, if they do, their families will know enough about their habits to know why.

A "mug shot" is the best way to identify somebody (he's old, bald, tall but stoops and carries a backpack isn't going to get you very far) but, as I was recently reminded, it ain't the way we do things on here.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

As long as the pilgrim informs their loved one(s) they plan to enjoy their Camino with only sporadic contact(or none), then there would be no cause for alarm. The key word for me is "inform".

 

[Gerard Griffin]

If I posted a profile pic, you'd realise the favour I'm doing you by not doing so

 

[Mfazio]

If I posted a profile pic, you'd realise the favour I'm doing you by not doing so

There have been a couple of missing persons postings on this site and on FaceBook lately. I can understand the reasons of photographs not being shown on this website however given that this website is used by many pilgrims I am wondering if under our individual profile section we could give our permission for a photograph of ourselves to be used on this website incase we go missing or an emergency situation arises or our family can't make contact with us. I wouldn't have an issue with a photograph of me be published to help locate me....just a thought.

If loved ones want to know where you are it is simple to enable location services on your phone and apps to allow your family to see where you are. Find My IPhone is super simple. I also use “Life360” app. WhatsApp works independent of what data plan you are on for messaging.

I set up a WhatsApp group for my family and friends and would post a photo or 2 every few days as “proof of life”. Other than that not much else is needed, at least on Frances, since people and services are never that far away.

If your pilgrim wants to go off grid, please allow them to enjoy it, they have earned it.

 

[DyanTX]

A few years back I wrote a post bemoaning the large number of blanks on members profiles. I was surprised to hear that many people did not to post a photo due to fears over Internet security. But pleased that many took the effort to upload an image that they felt represented them, be it a shell, a tree or a turtle. It's a sad inditement of our age that we need to preserve our privacy as I kinda like to know who I am talking to, but even if it's not a friendly face then I still know I am getting sound advice from the woman behind the stained glass, or the guy in the helicopter.

If people do go missing on the Camino, or else where then police are provided with photos from family or passport etc and it is more appropriate that they distribute this infomation then this forum.

Except if a picture of an item is posted instead of a photo, it is still not possible to know whether you are talking to male, female or other and the name used often doesn't lend any hint either. Does it matter? I don't know but I generally don't respond to a personal message unless I actually know who the person is on the other end. No photo. No response. Using a photo doesn't worry me at all.

 

[Molly Cassidy]

I don't use a photo. I don't feel very photogenic, but I do use my own name, which I think is good enough.

 

[HaveringRob]

I have children who worry about me and a simple solution is letting them see my location by Google Maps. I know that being disconnected is part of the Camino for many people, but I am happy to have an unintrusive way to assuage the concerns of my loved ones.

 

[TinaPEI]

I have children who worry about me and a simple solution is letting them see my location by Google Maps. I know that being disconnected is part of the Camino for many people, but I am happy to have an unintrusive way to assuage the concerns of my loved ones.

Oooh.... How to you share your location on google maps? I have a niece who would LOVE to follow along my journeys.

 

[trecile]

Find My IPhone is super simple.

Location sharing on Google Maps is really easy, and can be used across platforms - iPhone, Android, etc.

Oooh.... How to you share your location on google maps? I have a niece who would LOVE to follow along my journeys.

Share your real-time location with others - Android - Google Maps Help

You can choose who can find your location and how long to share your location with Google Location Sharing. Tip: Other Google products may also allow you to share a one-time location with others.&nbs

support.google.com

 

[Annetom]

I use Polar steps Take photos on a regular basis and family can follow me.

 

[sharonmonty]

Perhaps some pilgrims don’t want to be followed/ tracked online. They want the independence

 

[HaveringRob]

Perhaps some pilgrims don’t want to be followed/ tracked online. They want the independence

Very true, but I don't feel it a burden. It allows my loved ones to have peace of mind and is a small thing. I would assume that if you didn't want to be followed, you would tell your family so and they wouldn't worry if they didn't hear from you. The point is that if there is a change -- if someone who typically checks in stops doing so, then there is cause for concern.

 

[WGroleau]

PIA?oops - maybe I know. Not my usual language!

Proctalgia

 

[WGroleau]

Oooh.... How to you share your location on google maps? I have a niece who would LOVE to follow along my journeys.

I purchased a GPS device that used Iridium satellites to make my location available at any time (no cell towers needed, even in the middle of the ocean) to anyone I gave the password to. Garmin/DeLorme Explorer. I do believe there are similar devices from other manufacturers.

 

[GregorMc]

I use Walkmeter from Abvio on my iPhone to track my walking stats etc. Start it in the morning, tell it when I’m done walking, and it automatically posts to my choice of Twitter/Facebook/email etc with my stats and a link with a map and more details. It has kept my friends and family informed of what I’m up to on my adventures since 2011. It’s useful for me too, sips battery, provides a daily ‘heartbeat’ but leaves me to my solitude and is pretty simple to use. Other apps are available too, YMMV

 

[mspath]

From 2004 during my first caminos my husband and I communicated when necessary by land-line telephone; since 2008 I carried a smartphone which also served as camera+computer on which I wrote my daily blogs.

Since we both were then in our 70's whilst apart we texted each other good morning, briefly cited our daily plans, and texted again at day's end. Simple, swift and efficacious this helped keep each of us in the other's loop although physically we were often on different continents.

 

[Mito]

It wasn’t long ago at all that there was really no way to contact your loved ones except by letter or public phone. Boy!! Are we all spoiled!!

 

[Tincatinker]

It wasn’t long ago at all that there was really no way to contact your loved ones except by letter or public phone. Boy!! Are we all spoiled!!

Spoiled, as in over indulged children?
I loved, still hanker for, those years when I usually arrived home before the postcards I’d sent. Sometime in the’90’s I got a call from the office which started: “I can see from your calendar that you’re on holiday but could you just take a few questions from the minister’s SPAD”. My response isn’t suitable for this forum

 

[Bradypus]

It wasn’t long ago at all that there was really no way to contact your loved ones except by letter or public phone. Boy!! Are we all spoiled!!

True enough. On my first Camino my wife sent letters to "Lista de Correos" in three towns along the Camino Frances which I had told her I would visit. I think I phoned home three times from payphones along the way. One of the downsides of modern technology is that it can make being contactable 24/7 almost feel obligatory.

 

[Tincatinker]

I remember wanting to call The Beloved on her birthday. The one and only “public” telephone was in the “casino”. After that short call one of the fascinated eavesdroppers grabbed my arm and dragged me outside. “She must be “especial”” he suggested. That call cost me more than a solid evening’s drinking

 

[Texas Walker]

If loved ones want to know where you are it is simple to enable location services on your phone and apps to allow your family to see where you are. Find My IPhone is super simple. I also use “Life360” app. WhatsApp works independent of what data plan you are on for messaging.

I set up a WhatsApp group for my family and friends and would post a photo or 2 every few days as “proof of life”. Other than that not much else is needed, at least on Frances, since people and services are never that far away.

If your pilgrim wants to go off grid, please allow them to enjoy it, they have earned it.

When I and my sweetie went wandering off on the Frances the first time, my relatives were very worried that we weren't going on a guided tour. I set up a blog so they could see that we hadn't fallen off a cliff. On the days, back then, when the albergue computer couldn't reach the internet, but could send email, I sent an email to DD who then forwarded it to all of the relatives.
Since then the access to the internet for blogs is much better. We haven't put our phones on "find me" and don't intend to do so. But our relatives have discovered that we can make our way from point A to point B without their personal supervision. Even when we had difficulties, we made our way alright. And this proved to them that in a civilized country like Spain, one doesn't need a shepherd to walk the trails.
Besides, when we return home we bore them to death with the stories and the pictures! (edited for spelling)

 

[Former member 102963]

I don't use a photo. I don't feel very photogenic, but I do use my own name, which I think is good enough.

Do you not worry about security especially on a forum for a hobby that takes people away from their homes for months at a time?

Admitted I’m’paranoid (which doesn’t mean folks aren’t out to get me), but I didn’t like even putting ‘out of office’ notes on my email when I was working!

 

[Molly Cassidy]

Do you not worry about security especially on a forum for a hobby that takes people away from their homes for months at a time?

Not really. Do you know where my house is?

 

[Former member 102963]

Not really. Do you know where my house is?

I am sure I could if I was so inclined! Not being funny, we did suffer a horrible burglary admittedly paranoid! But surprised that’s all!

 

[RobertS26]

As long as the pilgrim informs their loved one(s) they plan to enjoy their Camino with only sporadic contact(or none), then there would be no cause for alarm. The key word for me is "inform".

Here's the problem. When many people bring the idea up of walking the Camino, family and friends refuse to bless the idea unless the future pilgrim swears a blood oath to check in everyday at a specific time. Within a few days of starting the Camino, the pilgrim begins to resent having to check in on a daily basis. Soon, they skip a few days. This triggers the panicked family to contact embassies and the Spanish police to report a "missing" pilgrim. Next, the panicked family turns to our forum and other social media to put the word out that their loved one has been kidnapped/murdered/harmed. Inevitably, the "missing" pilgrim turns up no worse for wear.

So, please no blood oaths.

 

[Molly Cassidy]

I am sure I could if I was so inclined! Not being funny, we did suffer a horrible burglary admittedly paranoid! But surprised that’s all!

I think it's highly unlikely you could find my house! :-D

 

[dick bird]

Here's the problem. When many people bring the idea up of walking the Camino, family and friends refuse to bless the idea unless the future pilgrim swears a blood oath to check in everyday at a specific time. Within a few days of starting the Camino, the pilgrim begins to resent having to check in on a daily basis. Soon, they skip a few days. This triggers the panicked family to contact embassies and the Spanish police to report a "missing" pilgrim. Next, the panicked family turns to our forum and other social media to put the word out that their loved one has been kidnapped/murdered/harmed. Inevitably, the "missing" pilgrim turns up no worse for wear.

So, please no blood oaths.

Sadly, this is not inevitable. There have been a few, a few but nonetheless real instances when something has happened to a pilgrim. If a pilgrim's family or friends are concerned there is no harm in helping them reassure themselves that nothing untoward has happened. Showing a photo is probably not that helpful anyway as a lot of pilgrims look very alike, especially in one's memory.

If loved ones want to know where you are it is simple to enable location services on your phone and apps to allow your family to see where you are. Find My IPhone is super simple. I also use “Life360” app. WhatsApp works independent of what data plan you are on for messaging.

I set up a WhatsApp group for my family and friends and would post a photo or 2 every few days as “proof of life”. Other than that not much else is needed, at least on Frances, since people and services are never that far away.

If your pilgrim wants to go off grid, please allow them to enjoy it, they have earned it

This only works when the phone and its owner are in the same place.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

I am sure I could if I was so inclined! Not being funny, we did suffer a horrible burglary admittedly paranoid! But surprised that’s all!

The Postman often has trouble finding my house.

 

[Gavala]

I'm solo on the upcoming camino and my partner and I don't need phones as I suspect she's telepathic.
She knows what I've done before I've done it and where I am before I've decided.
For this reason there's no need for a portrait photo on my profile. I'll be the peregrino with a metal colander on his head.